Definitely 4 Chiffchaff at Croston Sewage works this morning in the hedgerow and bramble between the river and works. The Siberian Chiffchaff stood out with its clean white underparts and pale brown plumage. It was the most active and engaged in a lot of wing flicking. It spent its time in the low bramble with a second bird that for a while had me thinking a second tristis. However I believe this second bird was a brown Collybita Chiffchaff due to its dusky throat and in the right light, a bit too much greenish tone in the upper parts. The third and fourth Chiffchaff were classic 'green' Collybita and spent their time higher in the hedgerow with a Goldcrest. Also 50+ Pied Wagtail and 10+ Meadow Pipit there. Green Sandpiper again towards the twin lakes and Grey Partridge disturbed.
Earlier, a muddy trek round the back of the E shaped pond at Bretherton revealed just 3 Snipe, also a mixed flock of Goldfinch and Linnet. Raven and Pink Footed Goose seen distantly.
Snipe, Linnet, Grey Partridge and Raven are new for the year - 78.
Siberian Chiffchaff and other bits and bobs
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